A Birmingham man who killed his friend during a fight arranged to settle an argument has been jailed for 10 years.

Carlton Pollock, aged 25 of Moorend Avenue, Chelmsley Wood, was convicted of the manslaughter of Lance Gregory after a six day trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

Pollock stabbed the road safety worker once to the chest and then fled the scene before he handed himself into the police.

The victim died later from his injuries at Heartlands Hospital.

Martin Lindop, sector crown prosecutor from West Midlands CPS, said:

“Throughout this prosecution, Carlton Pollock has maintained his stance that he acted in self-defence, however, the jury at Birmingham Crown Court found this to be a lie and he was found guilty of the manslaughter of Lance Gregory.

“Both the defendant and the victim had been at a party that evening and it seems that they had a brief altercation. This escalated and they agreed to meet at predetermined place to resolve their disagreement.

“Mr Gregory arrived unarmed, but Pollock arrived carrying a knife and stabbed the victim once in the chest and then ran off leaving the victim bleeding.

“He disposed of the weapon and handed himself to the police claiming self-defence, but this has been disapproved and he has today been found guilty of manslaughter.

“Our thoughts today are with the family and friends of Lance Gregory and we extend our sympathies towards them.”